Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

What Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association does

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) is a national bilingual (English/French) non-profit professional association founded in 1965 as the Canadian Guidance and Counselling Association (CGCA) and renamed in 2015. Headquartered at 202-245 Menten Place in Ottawa, the organization serves Canada's professional counsellor and psychotherapist workforce, with a stated membership base exceeding 13,000 individuals (including more than 2,000 student members) and more than 2,600 Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs) actively certified. CCPA operates as both a certifying body and a member services association, with revenue diversified across annual membership dues ($90 student, $155 guest, $195 professional, $280 certified professional), certification administration fees (CCC: $195 evaluation plus $85/year; CCS: $195 evaluation plus $45/year), advertising across a monthly newsletter and e-blasts reaching 18,000+ subscribers, conference registration (2026 Halifax event priced $75–$605), CEC application processing at $45 per application, and affiliate referral commissions from insurance brokerage partners.

CCPA's product surface consists of two primary professional credentials — the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and the Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) — supported by a portfolio of services including a members-only portal, the bilingual COGNICA quarterly publication, the peer-reviewed Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy (CJCP), CACEP-accredited university program recognition, an online public directory of certified practitioners, a trust-based Continuing Education Credits (CEC) system (36 credits per 3-year cycle), and a professional liability insurance program brokered through BMS Canada Risk Services. The technology layer is conventional: an online membership application portal, a CRM, a public-facing CCC directory, and CEC tracking — with TELUS eClaims integration enabling direct insurance billing for CCCs. Distribution is primarily direct through the national office, the public website (ccpa-accp.ca), the annual conference, and a student representative program embedded at Canadian universities.

The association's commercial moat is anchored in regulatory recognition: the CRA has formally confirmed that CCCs meet substantial equivalency standards for GST/HST exemption purposes in unregulated provinces, and CCPA's successful decade-long advocacy campaign culminated in Bill C-59 (June 2024) removing GST/HST nationally on counselling and psychotherapy services. The organization is pursuing further regulatory wins through active federal pre-budget submissions targeting NIHB, Jordan's Principle, the Canada Mental Health Transfer, and student loan forgiveness for rural practitioners. Partnerships span insurance carriers (BMS, HUB International, Perlinger, The Personal), technology providers (TELUS Health, Jane, Owl Practice, Click4Time, Therachat, GOrendezvous), continuing education vendors (MHA, Envision Workshops, Leading Edge Seminars, Queen's University CPD), and academic institutions (Acadia University), with joint membership agreements in place with PEICA-PCC and the Quebec Counselling Association.

Name

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Legal name

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Website

https://ccpa-accp.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CCPA is a national bilingual non-profit professional association founded in 1965 that certifies and serves over 13,000 counsellors and psychotherapists across Canada through its Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) credentials.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $90 (student) to $195 (professional), providing access to certification, insurance programs, member benefits, publications, and the member portal.
2. CCC Certification Fees: Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) certification at $280/year ($195 membership + $85 certification fee) with a $95 initial evaluation fee. CCS supervision certification at $195 evaluation fee plus $45 annual renewal.
3. Advertising and Job Postings: Revenue from advertising in newsletters ($500 non-member / $250 member), e-blasts ($1,000 / $500), job postings and office space ($120 / $10), upcoming featured events, and COGNICA publication advertisements.
4. Continuing Education Credits: CEC application processing at $45 per application, pre-accreditation evaluation at $50 per event, and conference registration fees providing revenue while fulfilling the professional development mandate.
5. Conference Revenue: Annual conference registration fees ranging from $75 (student half-day early bird) to $605 (non-member late full conference), plus sponsorship revenue from exhibitors and sponsors.
6. Insurance Brokerage Referrals: Partnership commissions from BMS Canada (professional liability), The Personal (home/auto), Perlinger (health/dental), and HUB International (group benefits) — providing exclusive rates to members while generating referral revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CCPA is a national bilingual professional association that certifies, advocates for, and serves practising counsellors and psychotherapists in Canada. Its primary commercial offerings are annual memberships, the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) credentials, the Continuing Education Credits (CEC) program, the CACEP graduate-program accreditation, the annual conference, COGNICA and CJCP publications, and a brokered professional liability insurance program for members.

Product overview

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) operates as a national bilingual professional organization offering a portfolio of certification, education, and member services for counselling and psychotherapy professionals in Canada. The core offering consists of two professional certification credentials: the Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation for qualified practitioners, and the Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) certification for clinical supervisors. CCPA also provides a comprehensive ecosystem of supporting services including a member portal platform, the COGNICA quarterly publication and Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy (CJCP), a Continuing Education Credits (CEC) tracking system, annual conferences, CACEP-accredited program recognition, an online CCC/CCS practitioner directory, professional liability insurance programs brokered through BMS, and an awards program recognizing excellence in the field. The organization is completing its transition to a trust-based CEC model with 36 credits required per 3-year certification period.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Professional Membership (Annual) Annual membership in the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association providing voting rights, eligibility for insurance programs, access to the member portal, CEC tracking, publications, and member benefits. Sold to individual practising counsellors, psychotherapists, students, retired members, and guests.
• Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) Certification National professional certification credential for qualified counselling and psychotherapy practitioners in Canada. Grants the CCC designation, inclusion in the public CCC directory, group professional liability insurance eligibility, legal advice helpline, and recognition by CRA for GST/HST exemption in unregulated provinces. $280/year ($195 membership + $85 certification fees) plus a $95 initial administration fee.
• Canadian Certified Supervisor (CCS) Certification Professional certification for clinical supervisors in counselling and psychotherapy. Recognizes the additional knowledge, competencies, and capacities required for supervisory practice beyond initial professional training. $195 evaluation fee plus $45 annual renewal.
• CCPA Annual Conference National annual conference providing professional development, CECs, networking, and keynote sessions. Registration ranges from $75 (student half-day early bird) to $605 (non-member late full conference), with pre-conference full day $200–$290 and featured keynote speakers. Includes exhibits and sponsorship opportunities for third parties.
• CACEP Accreditation of Graduate Counselling Programs Council on Accreditation of Counsellor Education Programs (CACEP) evaluates and accredits master's-level graduate counselling education programs. Graduates from CACEP-accredited programs receive expedited CCC certification. Sold to universities and graduate schools.
• Professional Liability Insurance Program Comprehensive insurance solutions for counsellors, counselling therapists, and psychotherapists across Canada, brokered through BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. Group professional liability insurance with exclusive rates for CCCs and CCSs, plus pandemic-related virtual care coverage and home/auto, health/dental, life, AD&D, and EAP options. Generates referral commission revenue for CCPA.
• COGNICA Publication Bilingual quarterly publication of CCPA dedicated to keeping members informed about current trends in counselling in Canada. Full-page advertising at $725 per 6x9 inch page in the biannual publication.
• Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy (CJCP) Quarterly peer-reviewed journal published by CCPA providing members with up-to-date information on counselling research, innovative practices, and book reviews. Distributed to members via the member portal.
• CCPA Newsletter (Monthly E-Newsletter and E-Blasts) Monthly broadcast email newsletter containing CCPA updates and third-party advertisements, with advertising slots at $500 non-member / $250 member (newsletter) and $1,000 / $500 (e-blast sole advertisement). Sold to third-party advertisers and sponsors.
• EDUCATION 5553 – Counselling Supervision Course (Acadia University) 3-credit fully online master's-level graduate course in counselling supervision offered in partnership with Acadia University's School of Counselling. CCPA reviews and approves eligible participants who must hold CCC designation. Co-developed educational offering.
• CCC/CCS Public Directory (Find a Counsellor) Public-facing online search engine to help Canadians find Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) and Canadian Certified Supervisors (CCS) for counselling and psychotherapy services, with filtering by location, specialization, and availability. Free service to the public that supports the visibility of certified members.

Quantifiable outcome

• GST/HST exemption secured for counselling and psychotherapy services nationally through Bill C-59 (June 2024), removing tax burden for clients and simplifying billing for practitioners.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BMS Canada Risk Services Ltd. (BMS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBMS is CCPA's preferred insurance broker providing group professional liability insurance to CCPA members. Offers exclusive rates for CCCs and CCSs, with special pandemic-related virtual care coverage. Also provides interim insurance for graduates transitioning to professional practice.
• The Personal (Insurance)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHome and auto insurance provider offering exclusive group rates to CCPA members through a partnership agreement.
• Perlinger Group BenefitsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHealth and dental benefit plans available to CCPA members and their families through Perlinger Group Benefits.
• HUB InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHUB International offers CCPA members exclusive group rates on Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Extended Health Care including an Employee Assistance Program and Teladoc Medical Experts referral and second opinion services.
• Prince Edward Island Counselling Association – Psychotherapist Counselling Chapter (PEICA-PCC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint membership available between CCPA and PEICA-PCC. Members must hold CCC certification to apply for the joint CCPA-PEICA membership.
• Quebec Counselling Association (QCA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint membership available between CCPA and the Quebec Counselling Association for counselling professionals in Quebec.
• Acadia University School of CounsellingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCPA partners with Acadia University to sponsor the graduate course EDUCATION 5553: Counselling Supervision – Theory and Practice. This 3-credit, fully online master's-level course runs Fall 2026 (Sept 8 – Dec 18). CCPA reviews and approves eligible participants who must hold CCC designation.
• COMPASS Centre for Examination DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing examination development services referenced on CCPA's certification and accreditation pages.
• College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCTNB collaborated with CCPA and CRPO to provide the letter accepted by CRA confirming that CCCs meet substantial equivalency standards for GST/HST exemption purposes in unregulated provinces.
• College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRPO collaborated with CCPA and CCTNB to provide the letter accepted by CRA confirming that CCCs meet substantial equivalency standards for GST/HST exemption purposes when compared to Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario.
• Holistic Business AdvisorsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnered with CCPA to host the Tax-Free Therapy: Navigating the New Legislation for Counsellors webinar, providing members essential guidance on GST/HST changes and business optimization.
• Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCPA is a member of CAMIMH, a coalition of 65+ organizations calling on the federal government to establish the Canada Mental Health Transfer. CCPA participates in joint press releases and awareness campaigns.
• Mental Health Commission of CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCPA receives news releases from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and supports its initiatives on mental health policy and awareness.
• TELUS Health (eClaims)coreTechnology or IntegrationCCPA members can now use TELUS eClaims for direct billing, enabling seamless insurance claims processing for counselling and psychotherapy services.
• Mental Health Academy (MHA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMHA is a leading provider of online continuing education for mental health professionals. MHA courses are pre-approved for CCPA CECs. Partner page includes MHA courses and workshops promoted on CCPA website.
• Envision WorkshopsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline workshops for mental health therapists, social workers, clinical counsellors, and psychologists. Pre-approved for CCPA CECs. Offers exclusive discounts to CCPA members.
• Queen's University (Continuing Professional Development)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorQueen's University offers an 8-module on-demand CPD course on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) promoted through CCPA member benefits.
• Leading Edge SeminarsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFounded in 1983, Leading Edge Seminars is one of Canada's premier providers of continuing education for mental health professionals, offering exclusive discounts to CCPA members.
• GoodLife FitnessminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCPA members can join the GoodLife Fitness Corporate Program with a membership discount through this partnership.
• Lord Elgin HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDowntown Ottawa luxury hotel near Rideau Canal, Shaw Centre and Parliament Hill offering CCPA members preferred rates.
• TheralistminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTherapist directory platform for members to showcase expertise. CCPA members get 50% off first year's subscription.
• Fearless PracticeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness support services for Canadian therapists starting their own private practice, offered as a member benefit.
• Psychology TodayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorld's largest mental health destination online. CCPA members receive marketing exposure through this platform as a member benefit.
• Sand Trays Etc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of sandtrays and rolling carts for therapists and mental health professionals. Member benefit for CCPA practitioners.
• Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation (CIIAN)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganization dedicated to conflict prevention and resolution. CCPA members receive discounts through the member benefits program.
• Leader FramesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplier of customized Canadian-made sustainable certificate frames bearing the CCPA logo for CCC/CCS members.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB): New Brunswick's regulatory college for licensed counselling therapists. Comparable to CCPA as a professional credentialing body for the same population, and collaborates with CCPA on substantial equivalency for GST/HST exemption purposes.
• College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): Ontario's provincial regulatory college for psychotherapists. Comparable to CCPA as a credentialing body but operates as a government-mandated regulator with legal authority over title and practice in Ontario. Collaborates with CCPA on substantial equivalency for the CCC designation.

Direct peers

• Australian Counselling Association (ACA): Australia's largest professional association for counsellors, providing membership, certification, continuing professional development, and insurance. Comparable to CCPA in serving a single national market with a multi-tier membership structure and credentialing function.
• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP): The UK's largest professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, with a similar chartered-status approach to CCPA's national credentialing. Operates an accredited register, registers members, and provides professional standards, insurance, and advocacy — closely mirroring CCPA's structure and value proposition.
• American Counseling Association: The largest professional association for counsellors in the US, founded in 1952. Directly comparable to CCPA as a national membership organization providing professional standards, certification, advocacy, and continuing education for counsellors, with a similar portfolio of credentials, publications, and annual conferences.
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): US-based credentialing body that administers the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, with continuing education and certification operations. Directly comparable to CCPA's CCC certification function and continuing education credit tracking system.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Psychological Association: Canada's national professional association for psychologists, a broader incumbent in the mental health space. Comparable to CCPA in providing national advocacy, accreditation, and member services, but serves a regulated profession with formal provincial regulatory colleges.
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Nationwide non-profit providing mental health advocacy, education, and direct service delivery across Canada. Comparable to CCPA in national advocacy role and CAMIMH coalition membership, but operates as a broader mental health organization rather than a profession-specific association.

Emerging players

• Mental Health Commission of Canada: Federally funded non-profit leading Canada's mental health policy agenda. Comparable to CCPA in driving national mental health policy reform, including the Canada Mental Health Transfer initiative that CCPA actively advocates for; partnership signals policy alignment.
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): US professional association for marriage and family therapists with similar membership, certification, and continuing education operations. Comparable to CCPA as a specialty professional association, though narrower in scope to MFT practice.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CCPA.ACCP
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ccpa-accp
• Instagraminstagram.com/ccpa.accp
• Xx.com/CCPA_ACCP

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association